Complete detailed Notes on Local Self Government of India for BPSC and Other Competitive Exams in 2025
Indian Polity- 8
Here are detailed and exam-oriented notes on Local Self Government with a special focus on the 73rd & 74th Constitutional Amendments and Panchayati Raj in Bihar.
Local Self Government in India
What is Local Self Government
Local Self Government refers to the administration of local areas by locally elected representatives. It ensures grassroots democracy and decentralization of power.
It is divided into:
- Rural Local Government – Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
- Urban Local Government – Municipal Bodies
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (Panchayati Raj)
Came into effect: 24 April 1993
Recognized Panchayats as constitutional bodies.
Added:
- Part IX to the Constitution (Articles 243–243O)
- 11th Schedule (29 subjects under PRIs)
Applicable to: All States except:
- Jammu & Kashmir (until 2019)
- Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram
- Scheduled Areas under 5th Schedule (Special laws apply)
Structure: Three-tier System
- Gram Panchayat – at village level
- Panchayat Samiti – at block/intermediate level
- Zila Parishad – at district level
In small states with <20 lakh population, two-tier system is allowed.
Key Provisions:
| Feature | Description |
| Elections | Every 5 years by State Election Commission |
| Reservation | For SC/ST and 33% seats for women (Article 243D) |
| State Finance Commission | Every 5 years to recommend devolution of funds (Article 243I) |
| Tenure | 5 years; if dissolved, re-election within 6 months |
| Gram Sabha | Direct democracy at the village level (Article 243A) |
74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (Urban Local Bodies)
Came into effect: 1 June 1993
Recognized Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as constitutional entities.
Added:
- Part IX-A (Articles 243P–243ZG)
- 12th Schedule – 18 subjects related to urban governance (e.g., water supply, slum improvement, urban planning)
Types of Urban Local Bodies:
| Type | Criteria |
| Municipal Corporation (Mahanagar Palika) | Population > 10 lakh |
| Municipality (Nagar Palika) | Population > 1 lakh |
| Nagar Panchayat | Transitional area (from rural to urban) |
Key Provisions:
- Direct elections every 5 years
- Reservation for SC/ST and 33% for women (Article 243T)
- State Finance Commission for funding
- Ward Committees in cities with >3 lakh population
- Metropolitan Planning Committees for metro cities
Panchayati Raj System in Bihar
Established: 1993, post-73rd Amendment
Legal Basis: Bihar Panchayati Raj Act, 2006
Three-tier structure in Bihar:
Gram Panchayat (Village Level)
- Head: Mukhiya (directly elected)
- Members: Ward Members (Panchs)
- Function: Birth/death registration, sanitation, local roads, education
Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)
- Head: Pramukh
- Members: Mukhiyas of Gram Panchayats + MLAs/MPs from area
- Function: Coordinates village panchayats, implements development schemes
Zila Parishad (District Level)
- Head: Adhyaksha (elected by Zila Parishad members)
- Members: Chairpersons of all Panchayat Samitis + local MPs/MLAs
- Function: Approves plans, manages district-level schemes
Special Features of Bihar PR System:
- 50% reservation for women (more than the constitutional minimum)
- Elected every 5 years by Bihar State Election Commission
- Social audit mandated for transparency
- Each ward has its own council (Ward Sabha)
Quick Comparison: 73rd vs 74th Amendment
| Feature | 73rd Amendment (Panchayats) | 74th Amendment (Municipalities) |
| Applicable to | Rural areas | Urban areas |
| Schedules Added | 11th Schedule (29 subjects) | 12th Schedule (18 subjects) |
| Part Added | Part IX | Part IX-A |
| Structure | 3-tier (Gram, Block, Zila) | 3 types (Nagar Panchayat, Municipality, Corporation) |
| Elections | Every 5 years | Every 5 years |
| Reservation | SC/ST/Women | SC/ST/Women |
Related Constitutional Bodies
| Body | Article | Function |
| State Election Commission | Article 243K | Conducts elections for PRIs and ULBs |
| State Finance Commission | Article 243I | Recommends fund distribution to local bodies |
Likely MCQs / Mains Questions
Prelims (UPSC/BPSC)
- What is the minimum age to contest Panchayat elections in Bihar?
21 years - Which Article provides for Gram Sabha?
Article 243A - How many subjects are listed in the 11th Schedule?
29 - Who conducts Panchayat elections in Bihar?
State Election Commission
Mains (UPSC/BPSC)
- Explain the significance of 73rd and 74th Amendments in deepening democracy in India.
- Discuss the challenges faced by Panchayati Raj Institutions in Bihar.
- Highlight the role of State Finance Commissions in empowering local bodies.